Belltower Sphinx MTG Card
2005-08-22 - Number H26
2005-08-22 - Number H14
2005-10-07 - Number 38
2011-07-15 - Number 46
2020-07-17 - Number 141
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Sphinx |
| Abilities | Flying,Mill |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever a source deals damage to Belltower Sphinx, that source's controller mills that many cards.
Cards like Belltower Sphinx
Belltower Sphinx takes its place in the pantheon of flying defenders in Magic:The Gathering with its unique ability to mill the attacking player’s deck. Standing tall with similar creatures like Hover Barrier, the Sphinx serves as a sizeable aerial blockade. Unlike its wall counterpart, it has the added mechanic of milling cards equal to the damage it receives, which strategically thins the opponent’s deck. Hover Barrier lacks this tactical edge, simply acting as a wall of resistance.
Wall of Lost Thoughts is another creature within this echelon that provides a one-time mill effect upon entering the battlefield. Although the initial mill is guaranteed, unlike the conditional milling from Belltower Sphinx, it offers less long-term deck disruption. Additionally, there’s the persistent threat posed by doorkeeper, which, with enough defenders, can become a repeatable mill engine. Yet, the Sphinx doesn’t require any further board presence to start impacting an opponent’s strategy upon taking damage.
Comparatively speaking, Belltower Sphinx’s ability to impact the game’s state with its fly over high toughness and mill combination stands out, making it a valuable defender in decks that benefit from both high flying defense and gradual reduction of an opponent’s library.
Cards similar to Belltower Sphinx by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Belltower Sphinx lets you peek at an extra card whenever an opponent’s spell targets it, subtly bolstering your strategic insights into the game. As the Sphinx endures the brunt of spells, you gain precious knowledge that may shift the tide of battle in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While the Sphinx itself does not directly contribute to resource acceleration, its sturdy defense can be instrumental in protecting your other assets. By fending off aerial attacks, it allows your resource-generating creatures and spells to thrive unimpeded, thereby indirectly supporting your mana development.
Instant Speed: The Sphinx’s reactive game plan is a boon, particularly when considering its synergy with spells of instant speed. This striking creature can stand guard while you keep mana in reserve, ready to cast spells that can disrupt opponents’ strategies during their turn, keeping them off-balance and enhancing your board state as you conjure up your next move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Belltower Sphinx doesn’t require an upfront discard to play, its reliance on milling can indirectly force a player to discard if their library runs thin. This could put players at a disadvantage in long-drawn games or against decks that capitalize on large graveyards.
Specific Mana Cost: Belltower Sphinx’s casting cost requires blue and colorless mana, which might not be an issue in a monoblue or two-color deck, but in multicolor decks, this can sometimes be restrictive and impact the card’s overall flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Belltower Sphinx can be slow to hit the battlefield. Players might find that other creatures or spells with lower mana costs could provide more immediate board presence or impact the game sooner.
Reasons to Include Belltower Sphinx in Your Collection
Versatility: Belltower Sphinx adds a defensive layer to your deck with its sturdy body, allowing it to stand guard against a variety of attackers. Its ability to slot into control and mill decks adds a versatile edge for various playstyles.
Combo Potential: Pairing this card with mill mechanics or cards that benefit from drawing can form devastating combinations, turning each blocked attack into a potential strategic advantage for the controller.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where flyers are common or against opponents that go heavy on creature-based strategies, Belltower Sphinx can be a key card. Its milling effect becomes increasingly relevant as graveyard manipulation and strategies evolve within the MTG landscape.
How to beat
The Belltower Sphinx is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering, presenting a unique defensive challenge with its ability to mill cards from an opponent’s library whenever it’s dealt damage. Countering it requires a strategic approach, emphasizing removal that doesn’t deal damage. Direct damage spells will only help your opponent inch closer to a potential win via decking.
To bypass this creature’s milling effect, consider using exile or bounce spells, such as Path to Exile or Unsummon, which can safely remove the Sphinx from the battlefield without triggering its ability. Alternatively, playing cards that offer indestructible to your creatures can be effective, allowing you to block the Sphinx without losing your creatures. Preventing it from dealing combat damage through enchantments like Pacifism also neuters its offense while you build your board and find a lasting solution.
Taking down the Belltower Sphinx requires patience and the right suite of tactics. Leveraging non-damaging removal and protection spells while avoiding unnecessary combat with the Sphinx will keep your library intact and help you maintain control of the game pace.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Belltower Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Salvat 2005, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Belltower Sphinx and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Belltower Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Jim Nelson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | H26 | 2003 | Normal | White | Jim Nelson | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | H14 | 2003 | Normal | White | Jim Nelson | |
| 3 | 2005-10-07 | Ravnica: City of Guilds | RAV | 38 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jim Nelson | |
| 4 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 46 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jim Nelson | |
| 5 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 141 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jim Nelson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Belltower Sphinx has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |